Artem Harutyunyan says Shakur Stevenson’s fans want him to lose their fight on Saturday night because he’s “boring.”
Psychological Warfare and Mind Games
Harutyunyan (13-1, 7 KOs), dressed like an executive, was messing with WBC lightweight champion Shakur’s mind during the final press conference on Wednesday, complimenting him nonstop, trying to throw him off.
When it became apparent that the 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, Harutyunyan, was acting when he complimented him on his cologne during their face-off, Shakur laughed, letting Harutyunyan know he wasn’t wearing cologne.
Shakur said afterward that he’s onto the game that Harutyunyan is playing, and he expects him to fight hard this Saturday night on July 6, in their twelve-round headliner on ESPN at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
“He’s just an average guy. I said, ‘You smell good,’ but I think it was his fear,” said Artem Harutyunyan to Top Rank Boxing, talking about his face-off with Shakur Stevenson at their final press conference this week.
Shakur likely has never fought anyone who has used such a sophisticated attempt with his psychological mind games to throw him off. Harutyunyan had a unique approach to throwing Shakur off, and everything was different from the usual intimidation tactics, such as trash talk, menacing looks, and getting in his space.
Is Shakur Shaken?
“He’s coming in to really try and win,” said Shakur about Harutyunyan. “He’s talking about, ‘What cologne you got on? That s*** smells good,’” said Shakur on what Harutyunyan told him during their face-off.
“I don’t wear cologne. I can’t miss. His head is big. Ain’t no way I’m going to miss,” said Shakur.
Harutyunyan’s mind games may have gotten to Shakur a little because this is a different level of psychological warfare, which had him giggling and smiling. If Shakur lets off even a little during the fight, that might be enough for Harutyunyan to defeat him.
“It was fun for me, but I got every answer for every question. Even Shakur’s fans want to see him lose, and they say he’s a boring fighter, always running away,” said Harutyunyan.
“I’m here to give Newark a great fight and show how real boxing is, and I think this is going to be a good night.”
